Converter: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in technical contexts, referring to a device or software that changes something from one form to another.

• The software acts as a converter for different file formats
• He bought a voltage converter for his trip abroad

Commonly used in electrical contexts, referring to a device that changes voltage levels. It can also mean someone or something that brings about major changes or transformation.

• The transformer in the machine adjusts the voltage
• The new CEO is a true transformer of the company's culture

Less commonly used, often found in literary or specialized contexts, referring to the process of changing something into a different form or substance.

• The alchemist was known as a transmuter of metals
• His imagination was a transmuter of dreams into reality

Often used in more general contexts, referring to someone or something that causes a change or makes something different.

• She is a real game changer in the industry
• The remote control acts as a channel changer for the TV

Used to describe a device that changes something from one form to another. This is commonly used in electronics for converting signals or power.

• The video converter allows you to watch old VHS tapes on your modern television
• The power converter is needed to use your American laptop in Europe

Used when referring to a device that changes the voltage of alternating current (AC) in power systems. It's a core component in electrical grids and power management.

• The neighborhood has a transformer to manage the electricity for all the houses
• A transformer is required to step down high voltage for safe home use

Used for devices that convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). This term is predominantly used in the context of electronics and power supply systems.

• The solar panels are connected to an inverter to supply power to the home
• An inverter is crucial for converting battery power into usable electricity

Used when referring to a device that allows one type of equipment to be connected to another type of equipment. It is often used for hardware compatibility.

• You need a USB adapter to connect your mouse to the laptop
• She bought a travel adapter to charge her phone in different countries

General term for any device or software that changes one thing into another.

• The converter changed the AC current to DC current.
• She used a video converter to save the file in a different format.

More technical term often used in the context of digital media to refer to converting one codec to another.

• We need a transcoder for converting the video files to a streaming-friendly format.
• Using a transcoder ensures that the videos play on all devices.

Used to describe tools or software that focus specifically on changing the format of a file or media type.

• A format converter can turn an AVI file into an MP4 file easily.
• Download a format converter to change your audio files to MP3.

Specific software or tool used to change the format of a file (e.g., document, image, video).

• I need a file converter to turn this PDF into a Word document.
• The file converter helped me change the image from PNG to JPEG.